Psychics vs. Catholics

Christianity has traditionally been opposed to all occult and paranormal practices - Tarot cards, astrology, and so forth. It isn't usual, however, for that opposition to develop into a more-or-less personal argument between Christian leaders and paranormal practitioners. But that's what's going on in Massachusetts.

According to North Shore Sunday, psychic Linnea Johansson is upset over what was said about her and what she does in a Catholic Church bulletin:

"I asked you to immediately retract in writing the defamatory and libelous statements contained within your printed bulletin," the letter read. "You refused ... Anyone can think whatever they want to think, but it is quite another matter to put it in writing and then subsequently embarrass, defame and humiliate an individual with a community. This constitutes reckless indifference and has rather serious consequences."

That was from her letter to the editor of the Ipswich Chronicle. Here's a quote from the bulletin, which addressed her offering her services during the summer at the Ipswich Council on Aging:

"Avoid this program and encourage others not to participate," wrote Kiley, using bold and italicized print. "The Word of God in scripture and in Christian teaching is very clear that (engaging in psychic activities) is 'off limits' and offensive to God. At one time, this practice was understood to be a sin against the first commandment."

All of that is pretty consistent with traditional Christian teachings and none of it seems "libelous," although I obviously haven't seen the full text. On the other hand, similar statements made about Islam or Judaism might be met with outrage in the community - why are psychics different?

Thanks to Gullibility Isn't In the Dictionary for this link.

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• Religion 101
• Philosophy of Religion